Pirate ship restaurant capsizes in Pattaya

A pirate-ship-themed bar and restaurant capsized off the coast of Pattaya in eastern Thailand yesterday. Luckily, the restaurant was not open for business due to bad weather.

At 4.30pm, the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Foundation was informed that the “Krakenian Private of Pattaya” was floating down the coast of Pattaya Beach from Bali Hai Pier, not far from Central Pattaya, slowly sinking.

Employees aboard the two-storey ship were all rescued safely. No injuries or deaths were reported.

From a preliminary inquiry, it is believed that the boat’s water pump may have broken causing water to drain inefficiently from the boat.

The cafe opened for business only recently, on November 18 last year, accommodating up to 150 passengers at any one time.

The boat’s Facebook page describes the Krakenian…

“Krakenian The Private Of Pattaya opened a new cafe in the middle of the sea. The only pirate boat in Pattaya with a unique decoration style Ready for everyone to hunt for treasure.”

“It is a restaurant and cafe. with food, drinks, squid fishing activities and live music.”

Entrance to the Krakenian cost 800 baht inclusive of a boat trip, one free drink and a free fishing hook.

A witness, 37 year old Tony, said that he noticed a boat that looked like a pirate ship start to tilt at around 3pm, floating in the sea.

The contents of the boat fell into the sea and cushions and other items washed up on the shore, said Tony.

A shareholder of the pirate ship, 41 year old Pichet Thanornchart, said the restaurant was closed to the public for several days due to bad weather, under orders from the Marine Department.

Pichet said water started entering the left side of the boat causing the ship to tilt. The boat did not completely sink.

It’s a good job the boat was not in service, added Pichet.